Monday June 22, 2009: This cinnamon phase black bear and her two young cubs were beside the Cameron Lake road in Waterton Lakes National Park. I was able to pull over to the side of the road and watch for several minutes as they grazed dandelions, eventually walking past my car. This photo was taken from inside my car - the safe place to be when you see road-side bears.

Highway 40, from Longview, over Highwood Pass and into the heart of Kananaskis Country is closed for the winter. It re-opens each spring on June 15th (that was today!). One of the first people driving that section of road in 2009, I was treated to this grizzly, who was hanging out with a "friend".

This black bear, near the roadside in Waterton Lakes National Park, lays down in the rain to enjoy a mouthful of dandelions.

Young grizzly playing in a pond. (captive)

This young (captive) grizzly was reaching for the bit of greenery growing out of the tree trunk, when it turned it's head as if to say "I know you're watching me"

Honest - I'm just going to turn the log over a few times.... (captive)

Sunday July 12, 2009: This grizzly bear - on HWY 40 in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park - south of Highwood Pass was feeding - in this shot it's looking under rocks for grubs and insects.

I'm a snow angel!!!

SEPTEMBER 3 2013: "Here's Looking at You" (#2). Exact same digital file as the previous photo, but this one was processed using NIK-HDR. Compare the two to check out the difference that comes from processing.

September 3, 2013: Used HDR processing with this one as well. It was common for the bears to leave the river on the far side from where we were standing and eat with their back to us. Guess it's a great way to guard their food - not that I would challenge them for it!!

September 3, 2013: When this big boar came by our spot, it was raining and foggy, so - even though the image is in focus - there wasn't very much detail around his face. So, I decided to add even more fog and go for atmosphere.
The next image in this folder shows the exact same photo, but with a more painterly approach.

Skoki, this large male grizzly, grew up in Banff National Park in the early 1990's. When he became too habituated to humans (thereby posing a safety risk) he was relocated to the Calgary Zoo, where he will live out his days.

Highway 40, from Longview, over Highwood Pass and into the heart of Kananaskis Country is closed for the winter. It re-opens each spring on June 15th (that was today!). One of the first people driving that section of road in 2009, I was treated to this grizzly, who was hanging out with a "friend".

Dandelions still poking out the side of his mouth, the black bear moves on to the next bunch of plants along the Cameron Lake road in Waterton Lakes National Park.

A playful, quizzical, young grizzly shakes a whole lot of water out of the fur surrounding it's face. (captive)

Time out to take a drink - but ever watchful! (captive)

Sunday July 12, 2009: A very healthy looking, young grizzly - taken from inside my car in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, on HWY 40 - south of Highwood Pass (just at sunset).

On a slightly overcast and misty day this young grizzly emerges from behind the vegetation.

SEPTEMBER 3 2013: Took a tour out of Campbell River, BC with Aboriginal Journeys. Amazing time. This is one of the seven grizzlies we saw that day!

Highway 40, from Longview, over Highwood Pass and into the heart of Kananaskis Country is closed for the winter. It re-opens each spring on June 15th (that was today!). One of the first people driving that section of road in 2009, I was treated to this pair of grizzlies.

Highway 40, from Longview, over Highwood Pass and into the heart of Kananaskis Country is closed for the winter. It re-opens each spring on June 15th (that was today!). One of the first people driving that section of road in 2009, I was treated to this pair of grizzlies.

Black bear in a contemplative mood, between two paper-birch trees in Minnesota

Captive grizzly watches the photographers as it gets a drink from this small pond.

In the middle of taking a drink, this young grizzly sees something worthy of playing with (captive)

Sunday July 12, 2009: This grizzly bear - on HWY 40 in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park - south of Highwood Pass was feeding on vegetation, grubs and insects.

This young grizzly is distracted by something overhead.

SEPTEMBER 3 2013: "Here's Looking at You" (#1). From the same grizzly bear tour as the previous bear images.

SEPTEMBER 3 2013: Took a tour out of Campbell River, BC with Aboriginal Journeys. Amazing time. This is the same grizzly as in the previous photo, moments after a successful fishing attempt.

September 3, 2013: When this big boar came by our spot, it was raining and foggy, so - even though the image is in focus - there wasn't very much detail around his face. So, I decided to take a more painterly approach, and used NIK-HDR processing in combination with Topaz Adjust and ended up with this.